Search Results for: letters-to-the-church

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If God had it His way, what would your church look like? The New York Times bestselling author of Crazy Love challenges readers to be the Church as God intends. Do you want more from your church experience? Does the pure gospel put you in a place of awe? Are you ready to rethink church as you know it? Sit with Pastor Francis Chan and be reminded that you are a part of something much bigger than yourself, something sacred. In his most powerful book yet, Chan digs deep into biblical truth, reflects on his own failures and dreams, and shares stories of ordinary people God is using to change the world. Chan says, “We’ve strayed so far from what God calls Church. We all know it. We know that what we’re experiencing is radically different from the Church in Scripture. For decades, church leaders like myself have lost sight of the inherent mystery of the Church. We have trained people sitting in the pews to become addicted to lesser things. It’s time for that to change.” When Jesus returns, will He find us caring for His Bride—even more than for our own lives? Letters to the Church reminds us of how powerful, how glorious the Church once was … and calls us to once again be the Church God intended us to be.

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Respected New Testament scholar Karen Jobes explores the cultural and theological background of Hebrews and the general epistles (James through Jude) in this rich commentary. Writing from an evangelical perspective, Jobes addresses issues of historical relevance as well as how these ancient books connect with Christian faith and practice today. Letters to the Church includes:-Historical background for each book focusing on authorship, genre, date, and content-An exploration of the major themes in each book and detailed commentary on key passages-Boxes with chapter goals, outlines, challenges, and significant verses-Sidebars addressing difficult passages or ideas-Maps, photographs, charts, and definitions-Questions for discussion, reflection, and testing-A comparison of the teachings about Christ in each of the lettersPastors, professors, students, and laypeople interested in deeper biblical study will find this an invaluable resource that offers well-researched commentary in an accessible, spiritually meaningful form.

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"One solution to the greatest challenges of modern day Christianity today! Anti-Semitism is ingrained in our Christian doctrines and viewpoints, which makes all who claim to be Christian prone to be natural anti-Semitists in their doctrine. This book provides an analysis of anti-Semitism in Christian doctrines from a theological perspective, and will show you how we can rid ourselves of it, and destroy the leaven of anti-Semitism in our Christian doctrine once and for all! The author provides a new way of seeing the Letters to the Seven Churches of Revelation chapter 2-3, and a look at major religious practices in today's Pop-Christianity, from Baptism to the issue of Women's Silence in the Church; a renewed way of viewing the Scriptures without much change. An appreciation of the Jewishness of the Apostles and the Lost Frontier to help all come to unity of the knowledge of the Son of God."

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Exiled on the island of Patmos, the apostle John found himself one day in the presence of the Son of God. As he fell down to worship, the apostle was commanded to write what he saw and heard, and to record and send messages to seven churches, encouraging them and challenging them in the way of the Lord. That was then; this is now. What might the Spirit say to our churches today? What might the Spirit be saying to you? Chris Lewis and the Epiphaneia Network put that question to their friends. This book includes some of the responses they got. With contributions from such significant voices as Andy Crouch Ron Sider Tim Challies Peter Rollins Sarah Lance Makoto Fujimura and others, Letters to a Future Church paints a portrait of the world as we have it and the mission we have in it. You may find your calling in this book; you may even find your own voice.

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BASIC.We Are ChurchA Small Group ExperienceFRANCIS CHAN In this bold new interactive 9-session small group study, Francis Chan takes on the practical aspects of the church, distilling the reality of God's design for the church into foundational truths that will challenge Christians to become the church described in Scripture. Features the final four BASIC films on DVD, each enhanced with two exclusive study sessions found only in this small group experience.· BASIC.Fellowship DVD· BASIC.Teaching DVD· BASIC.Prayer DVD· BASIC.Communion DVD· Six (6) We Are Church Follower's Guides, corresponding to the interactive DVD studies· Resource DVD with video clips, trailers, and poster for church use, sermon outlines for pastors, tips for leaders, and more.

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Many feel certain that they are right with God and on their way to heaven, when in fact, they are not! This was the sobering predicament of 5 of the 7 Churches of Jesus Christ as revealed in His letters to them in the Book of Revelation. "God's perspective is often quite different to man's," explains Dr. de Bourg as he presents, with clarity and simplicity, the depth of wisdom, insight, and revelation which is contained in Jesus' seven letters to His Church. These books are a major eye opener, revealing just how relevant Jesus' letters are for us today. They could well be the very thing that is needed to place us in the perfect will of God, as they provide this present-day Church with the spiritual "rudder," to steer it on the right course. If you truly desire to be right with God and to secure your eternity with Him, in heaven, this seven-part series is definitely for you!

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A series of letters objecting to statements in the book Questions on Doctrine. The author was a conference president, a president of Union College, and secretary at the General Conference.

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What does God want for His Church? For your church? With the Letters to the Church Study Guide, be challenged and guided to passionately pursue Christ and His magnificent, beautiful vision for His Bride.

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What does God want for His Church? For your church? Building on each of the nine chapters of his latest book, Letters to the Church, Francis Chan urges Christ-followers to ask honest questions about the structure and values of our churches; study God’s commands for the body of Christ; pray in expectation of the Spirit’s power; and get excited about doing whatever it takes to be the Church God desires. Journey with those around you—in your community, your church, or your small group—and take intentional steps toward living out the biblical principles that fueled a world-changing movement. Don’t settle for just going to church. Be the Church. With the Letters to the Church Study Guide, be challenged and guided to passionately pursue Christ and His magnificent, beautiful vision for His Bride. Designed to be used with the Letters to the Church Video Series (available separately).

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Encourage the Church to address the gift of human sexuality—how to view it, how to deal with it, and how it relates to spirituality A Theology of Gay and Lesbian Inclusion: Love Letters to the Church challenges traditional church teachings that brand homosexuality as immoral, using pertinent scripture from the central Gospel to promote a full acceptance of gay and lesbian Christians. This powerful book questions the assumption that gay Christians are morally inferior, presenting testimony from gay men and lesbians about prejudice they've experienced at the hands of the Church—and its straight members. Written as a series of ten letters, the book addresses the strengths and weaknesses of the church and appeals for a new understanding and commitment to the acceptance of its gay members. From the author: The purpose of this book is to equip you, Christian warrior of the Gospel of peace, to stand against those who use the Bible to resist change—even that change of which our Lord would approve. In one sense, there is nothing revolutionary about this book. It is a book that respects tradition—but only up to a point: that point where tradition has to change, to give way to what the Holy Spirit is showing us in our day of the mind of Christ. And this is not revolutionary, because tradition has had to change before; it is a developing truth, born of the corporate experience of the children of God, and open to our claiming the exercise of our God-given gift of reason. A Theology of Gay and Lesbian Inclusion includes a series of letters that progress from establishing the purpose and credibility of the author, to developing grounding in Scripture and experience, to appealing to the reader to act as an ally of gay and lesbian Christians. The letters include: “Dear Christian Believer,” which aims for the “bull's-eye” of the reader's faith “Dear Sexual Being,” which offers a fresh look at a sensitive topic “Dear Confused Church Member,” which discusses what gay people are “really” like “Dear Concerned Church Member,” which discusses what gay people really want “Dear Bible Explorer,” which discusses what the Bible really says “Dear Person Trying to Do the Right Thing,” from “being” to “doing” and much more A Theology of Gay and Lesbian Inclusion provides a friendly and informal Biblical rationale for alternatives to traditional church teachings, encouraging the acceptance of gay and lesbian people as fully moral and fully Christian.

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Paul wrote to "all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Cor. 1:2). His instructions were not directed primarily to theologians, pastors, or priests. He wrote to the whole church - to regular Christians, like you and me - about the daily challenges that we confront in our walk with Christ. Paul is very clear--the gospel message of salvation is simple, straightforward and available to all who come in faith. Far from dry works of abstract theology, his letters provide practical instruction to people without any special theological training or educational credentials. Paul's passion is seeing every believer put the gospel into practice. Almost everyone can readily grasp the essential elements of the gospel at a basic level. But many want to make it more complex than it is. Perhaps because it's difficult to accept that something so important can be so simple. In The Simplified Guide, David Hazelton collects Paul's practical instructions on specific issues as faithfully and completely as possible. Rather than promoting a particular view or interpretation of these, Hazelton guides readers to make their own observations about applying Paul's instructions to their lives.

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Revised & Updated Edition! God is love. Crazy, relentless, all-powerful love. Have you ever wondered if we're missing it? It's crazy, if you think about it. The God of the universe—the Creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor—loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs, and try not to cuss. Whether you've verbalized it yet or not, we all know something's wrong. Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because the answer to religious complacency isn't working harder at a list of do's and don'ts—it's falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, as Francis describes it, you will never be the same. Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything. Learn more about Crazy Love at www.crazylovebook.com.

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The final book of the Bible, Revelation prophesies the ultimate judgement of mankind in a series of allegorical visions, grisly images and numerological predictions. According to these, empires will fall, the "Beast" will be destroyed and Christ will rule a new Jerusalem. With an introduction by Will Self.

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Real Letters. Real People. Real Issues.God is raising up the simple, organic, house church movement. And this book gives you, for the first time, a real-life inside look at the controversies, struggles, victories, and personalities emerging from within this revolution. This book is a collection of real letters to real people facing real issues. These letters challenge, persuade, and encourage. They address theological issues and practical problems. They were sent to friends, acquaintances, strangers, radicals, and critics. This book will not just satisfy your curiosity about today's house church movement, but it will propel you to complete the task to which Jesus Christ has called you."Rad is one of those that has taken the time to... give us all a sort of house church FAQ that unzips and unpacks the current revolution and makes it more tangible than ever."Wolfgang SimsonAuthor of Houses that Change the World"Rad Zdero has labored to usher in a new/old paradigm in church life... a courageous, candid, and vulnerable publication of the letters that have chronicled his journey... an important work..."David Garrison, Ph.D.Author of Church Planting Movements"I am thrilled that Rad Zdero has released this series of insightful letters into book form... a timely, biblical, poignant yet gracious response to real-life concerns... Highly recommended!"Andrew JonesBlogger and founder, Boaz ProjectRAD ZDERO has a Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has been involved in the house church and small group movement since 1985. Rad is the author of The Global House Church Movement. He is also the editor of Nexus: The World House Church Movement Reader and The Starfish Files house church magazine. Rad lives just outside Toronto, Canada.

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Your faith is challenged daily. We live in a society that has few absolutes, where “truth” is defined by personal philosophies. It’s really not so different from the culture of Corinth during the apostle Paul’s ministry. Believers were struggling with the “gray areas” of life, so Paul wrote letters—1 and 2 Corinthians—to remind them of what God intended as black-and-white. In Letters to a Troubled Church, Bible teacher Ray Stedman uses Paul’s epistles to guide us through difficult matters.

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Paul was the most influential figure in the early Christian church. In this epistle, written to the founders of the church in Rome, he sets out some of his ideas on the importance of faith in overcoming mankind's innate sinfulness and in obtaining redemption. With an introduction by Ruth Rendell

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William Barclay devotes two chapters to each of the seven churches addressed in the book of Revelation. One chapter characterizes the ancient city and the other comments on John's message to the members of that community. This reissue of an older Westminster Press title makes a welcome addition to the highly popular William Barclay Library series. The William Barclay Library is a collection of books addressing the great issues of the Christian faith. As one of the world's most widely read interpreters of the Bible and its meaning, William Barclay devoted his life to helping people become more faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

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In the name of the Father, the Son, and ... the Holy Spirit. We pray in the name of all three, but how often do we live with an awareness of only the first two? As Jesus ascended into heaven, He promised to send the Holy Spirit—the Helper—so that we could be true and living witnesses for Christ. Unfortunately, today's church has admired the gift but neglected to open it. Breakthrough author Francis Chan rips away paper and bows to get at the true source of the church's power—the Holy Spirit. Chan contends that we've ignored the Spirit for far too long, and we are reaping the disastrous results. Thorough scriptural support and compelling narrative form Chan's invitation to stop and remember the One we've forgotten, the Spirit of the living God.

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How could a loving God send people to hell? Will people have a chance after they die to believe in Jesus and go to heaven? With a humble respect for God's Word, Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle address the deepest questions you have about eternal destiny. They've asked the same questions. Like you, sometimes they just don't want to believe in hell. But as they write, "We cannot afford to be wrong on this issue." This is not a book about who is saying what. It's a book about what God says. It's not a book about impersonal theological issues. It's a book about people who God loves. It's not a book about arguments, doctrine, or being right. It's a book about the character of God. Erasing Hell will immerse you in the truth of Scripture as, together with the authors, you find not only the truth but the courage to live it out.

An evangelical pastor’s path to embracing people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender into the company of Jesus

Author: Ken Wilson

Publisher: Read the Spirit Books

ISBN: 1942011407

Category: Religion

Page: 218

View: 744

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“A breakthrough work coming from the heart of evangelical Christianity,” writes theologian David Gushee. “Wilson shows how God has led him on a journey toward a rethinking of what the fully authoritative and inspired Bible ought to be taken to mean in the life of the church today.” “This book … will shape what the church becomes,” writes anthropologist Tanya Luhrmann. “One of the most exquisite, painful, candid, brilliant pieces … that I have ever seen,” writes Christian author Phyllis Tickle. The second edition contains expanded material.